In the early part of this decade Toyota was inspecting its automobile line up and the decision was made to build a vehicle to lure young folks who were searching for something that was small, fun to drive, and affordable. Whilst the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota required something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that kind of an auto and something radically different was required. Enter the Matrix. Based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do : turn heads. We’ll take a look at this sporty compact and see how the 2006 model stacks up.
In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the North American market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors – the Pontiac Vibe is its twin – the Matrix is aimed toward budget conscious young folks who need a car that makes a statement. To economize, the Corolla frame was employed, but the Matrix stands some three inches taller and is eight inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is completely different too as it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving the car somewhat of a wagon look to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an extra bit of room for people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, much like in a tiny SUV or as in an automobile like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With four doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more like a lorry, but its graceful exterior easily refutes that fact.
Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a four wheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Joined to a five speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more power, there’s also a higher tuned version of the same engine delivering 164hp. It becomes twinned with a 6 speed manual transmission. 4 wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.
Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the auto a motorist’s dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 m.p.g road, the front wheel drive version of the car produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid automobile sold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a probability on just one tank of gas; this is very good for the student who has to drive forwards and forth between varsity campus and home.
Unlike many autos of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide selection of products to help Matrix owners customise their autos. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, mist lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessories pitched to youth, who are the first owners of the Matrix.
MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at slightly under US$20K to about CDN$25K.
For the entire North American market, Toyota sells almost 100,000 Matrix’ per year. Not bad for a car whose origins are reasonably straightforward but whose heart is actually sporty and youth minded.
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